The odi assan: Myth, liberation and caste in ‘If in the Shadows, a Leopard!’

Casteism, an unjust social stratification system, remains pervasive in India. Among the oppressed castes, the odiyans are unique for their shapeshifting, which allowed them to transcend their caste identities. Prakash Moorthy’s ‘If in the Shadows, a Leopard!’, a graphic narrative that is part of the anthology Longform (Volume 1, 2018), interweaves the nuances of odi and casteism. Moorthy revisits the odiyan myth through his protagonist, Kari, to examine casteism. Kari’s transformation through odi is a powerful portrayal of social mobility and liberation. Moorthy further observes the enduring presence of casteism and the significance of finding one’s voice within the narrative. Through his unique art style, which mimics the elusiveness of myths, the work invites readers to affectively empathize with Kari and sensitizes them to the realities of casteism. Collectively, ‘If in the Shadows, a Leopard!’, interwoven with themes of social justice, renders the text a compelling example of graphic justice.